Oklahoma House Bill HB2867

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Public buildings and works; design build; water supply and wastewater projects; pilot projects; effective date; emergency.

Impact

The implementation of HB2867 is expected to significantly impact the planning and execution of infrastructure projects related to public water and wastewater systems in Oklahoma. By enabling a design-build approach, the bill aims to allow quicker project delivery, which is crucial to addressing current infrastructure needs. This may also foster innovation and cost savings, as entities can more easily collaborate and adjust to challenges that arise during construction and design phases.

Summary

House Bill 2867 aims to enhance the efficiency of public water supply and wastewater projects by allowing certain political subdivisions, including municipalities and conservancy districts, to utilize a design-build project delivery method. This approach merges the design and construction phases under a single contract, thereby streamlining processes and reducing delays associated with traditional methods that separate these phases. The bill mandates that the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality develop rules to facilitate this new process by November 1, 2022.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding this bill could include concerns regarding oversight and quality assurance in design-build projects. Critics may argue that consolidating design and construction responsibilities could lead to reduced accountability and the potential for conflicts of interest. Furthermore, there may be apprehensions about how pilot projects will be selected and evaluated, particularly if they involve substantial public funding or resources. Thus, while the bill aims to improve efficiency, it will be crucial to monitor its implementation and assess its impact on project quality and public resources.